Lupus-related vision issues: Frequent occurrences and remedies
Lupus, a systemic autoimmune disease, can have a significant impact on various parts of the body, including the eyes. This article aims to provide an overview of the eye conditions associated with lupus and the treatment options available.
Lupus can cause a variety of ocular complications, ranging from mild to severe. One common type of retinal involvement is retinal vasculitis, which is the inflammation of retinal blood vessels. Mild cases may show no symptoms, while more severe cases can lead to loss or distortion of vision, floaters, and other vision problems.
Another eye condition associated with lupus is discoid lupus, a form of cutaneous lupus that affects the skin on the eyelids. Symptoms may include puffy eyes, trichiasis (abnormal inward turning of eyelashes), loss of eyelashes or eyebrows, conjunctivitis, entropion (inward rolling of the eyelid), and ectropion (outward rolling of the eyelid).
Lupus can also cause inflammation of the optic nerve, known as optic neuritis. Symptoms of optic neuritis can include pain when moving the eye, difficulty distinguishing between colours, changes in the pupil's response to bright light, dim or blurry vision.
In some cases, lupus may cause lesions in the retina, such as small hemorrhages or cotton wool spots. These lesions can potentially threaten a person's vision.
Treatment for eye conditions associated with lupus primarily involves managing the underlying disease. Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) and chloroquine are often used to reduce disease activity and help prevent flares, and are considered cornerstone therapies. However, due to their potential for retinal toxicity and other eye complications, patients require regular eye examinations to detect early changes.
Corticosteroids are used to control acute inflammation both systemically and in ocular manifestations. For specific eye conditions such as dry eye syndrome, treatments include artificial tears, prescription anti-inflammatory eye drops, punctal plugs, warm compresses, and nutritional supplements like omega-3 fatty acids.
Given the potential vision-threatening side effects from both lupus and its treatments, regular ophthalmologic monitoring is crucial. Early referral to an ophthalmologist for assessment and treatment is important to limit progression and preserve vision.
If a person with lupus is experiencing vision disturbances or discomfort in their eyes, they may wish to contact their doctor for a thorough examination and appropriate treatment.
- Lupus, a chronic disease, can lead to various eye conditions, such as retinal vasculitis, which might cause vision loss or distortion.
- Discoid lupus, a form of cutaneous lupus, impacts the eyelids, showing symptoms like puffy eyes, trichiasis, and ectropion.
- Optic neuritis, an inflammation of the optic nerve caused by lupus, may result in pain when moving the eye, difficulties distinguishing colors, or changes in the pupil's response to bright light.
- Lesions in the retina, like small hemorrhages or cotton wool spots, can be a result of lupus and pose a threat to a person's vision.
- Treatment for eye conditions related to lupus often involves managing the disease with medications like hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine, but regular eye examinations are necessary to detect side effects.
- Given the vision-threatening effects of both lupus and its treatments, regular ophthalmologic monitoring is essential, along with prompt medical attention if experiencing vision disturbances or eye discomfort.
